Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast

Suketu Gandhi, partner and chair of strategic operations with Kearney, offers advice on how to deal with supply chain disruptions in this new era of tariffs.

Hey, have you heard that this AI thing is a big deal? That companies are slapping AI labels on every product they sell? That our benevolent robot overlords will favor those humans who speak highly of them now before they take over?  There was a lot of talk about that at Automate in Detroit this week, the annual trade show for industrial automation in which we imperfect biological organisms really do sit in awe of our technological superiors. Really, this is love, not fear. Sharing their observations on how much they look forward to this utopian future in which we'll be sure the keep the machines oiled and the software patched were: Mike Bacidore, Editor-in-Chief of Control Design Rehana Begg, Editor-in-Chief of Machine Design Robert Schoenberger, Editor-in-Chief of IndustryWeek and Editorial Director of Endeavor Business Media's Manufacturing Group Sharon Spielman, Technical Editor for Machine Design Linda Wilson, Editor-in-Chief of Vision Systems Design

Glen Powell is a senior engineering analyst with Hydro, Inc.’s Global Engineering division. He has nine years of experience in centrifugal pumps, vibration analysis, machinery reliability, and 3D simulation and design. Glen recently spoke with Thomas Wilk, chief editor of Plant Services, about the evolving challenges of workforce development in the maintenance and reliability space. The conversation also touches on the role of emerging technologies like AI in reliability workflows and dives deep into vibration analysis, including its limitations and advanced applications for diagnosing issues like resonance. Key takeaways Formal training alone isn't enough—intentional, hands-on experience accelerates workforce readiness. Bridging generational gaps requires clear career paths and trust in leadership follow-through. AI tools should support, not replace, critical thinking and field expertise on the plant floor. Modal analysis and motion amplification are powerful tools to diagnose and fix elusive resonance issues in aging equipment.  

Discover how automation can empower manufacturing businesses to weather economic storms. Explore ways it enhances efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Learn about reducing labor dependencies while boosting productivity. Hear insights on customized strategies for resilience, ensuring long-term success even in downturns. This discussion reveals the compelling benefits of automation, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth.

Joe Kuhn, CMRP, former plant manager, engineer, and global reliability consultant, is now president of Lean Driven Reliability LLC. He is the author of the book “Zero to Hero: How to Jumpstart Your Reliability Journey Given Today’s Business Challenges” and the creator of the Joe Kuhn YouTube Channel, which offers content on starting your reliability journey and achieving financial independence. In our monthly podcast miniseries, Ask a Plant Manager, Joe considers a commonplace scenario facing the industry and offers his advice, as well as actions that you can take to get on track tomorrow. This episode offers tips on how to create a safe space for spirited debate in industrial operations. Key takeaways Superficial harmony in meetings delays critical decisions—candor leads to better outcomes. Leaders should hold back opinions to foster open, fact-based team input. Clear decision-making processes prevent debates from becoming unproductive conflicts. Professional disagreement is vital—silence in meetings and complaints in hallways hurt reliability.

The clock is running toward 2035 – the deadline for businesses to neutralize their carbon liabilities, whether or not the technology or resources are available to do that.  In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Robert Brooks, editor in chief of Foundry Management & Technology and American Machinist, explores the evolving pressures on the manufacturing supply chain as carbon neutrality and net-zero emissions targets accelerate industry-wide. With a focus on the metal casting and machining sectors, he highlights the emerging concept of carbon liability and its implications for manufacturers. A notable case study features Mazda’s development of carbon-neutral cupola melting using biomass fuels, underscoring how environmental goals are reshaping production strategies.

Darrell Edwards, a supply chain professor and former COO at La-Z-Boy, and Ji Li, a supply chain advisor and ex-Boeing director, delve into the evolving dynamics of supply chains amid changing tariffs. They discuss how geopolitical tensions and COVID-19 have forced companies to diversify sourcing strategies. With a focus on collaboration, they stress the importance of transparency, scenario planning, and leveraging technology for effective risk management, all while rethinking supply chains in a shifting global landscape.

Mahdi Jamshid, director of market intelligence for leading AM observer Wohlers Associates, joins Smart Industry's Scott Achelpohl to detail Wohlers' brand-new annual report on the additive landscape and chat up the latest maneuvers of industry player Nano Dimension.

In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Tom Wilk, the chief editor of Plant Services, talks with Jose Rivera, the CEO of the Control System Integrators Association (CSIA). In December, Jose announced he would be stepping down after a decade of dedicated leadership and strategic vision. Under Jose's guidance, the CSIA has seen significant modernization, increased resilience, and a strong financial position. We spoke with Jose when he joined the CSIA 10 years ago and it's my privilege to talk with him one more time to look back over the past 10 years, and then look ahead at next steps for both Jose and the CSIA, including the launch of the the CSIA Learning Hub.

Nick Hasse, co-founder of MaintainX, leverages his extensive factory floor experience to discuss how AI can genuinely enhance manufacturing. Joining him is Roshan Satish, the lead product manager for applied AI at MaintainX, who develops intuitive maintenance tools like MaintainX Copilot. They explore the critical role of frontline worker insights in AI integration, the importance of fostering organizational champions for tech adoption, and how user-friendly AI can revolutionize operational workflows while ensuring trust and immediate value for staff.